Department of War, Boeing and RTX sign deals to boost production of critical SM-3 Block IIA and IB munitions

The Department of War announced two framework agreements with Boeing and RTX to boost production of key components for the Standard Missile-3 Block IB and expand component production for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA.

The deals are designed to strengthen output of the ship-fired surface-to-air interceptors that underpin the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System and serve as the backbone of U.S. sea-based missile defense domestically and abroad.

“These agreements ensure our Warfighters get the munitions they need to win,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “We are stabilizing our supply chains, expanding munitions production and putting our entire defense industrial base on a wartime footing.”

Under the new frameworks, production of both SM-3 variants will accelerate, with Boeing taking the lead on component manufacturing to speed delivery from factory floor to fleet.

The department’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy enabled the agreements by cutting red tape and allowing engagement with suppliers at every level of the industrial base.